Two sisters who started working at McDonald’s on their 14th birthdays are behind one of Manly’s most talked-about new cafes.
It’s no surprise that McDonald’s is known for imparting a strong work ethic among its employees. Paris and Kyra Hookham, owners of the brand new Water Vista cafe, are no exception. They credit their years working at Maccas for setting them up for success in hospitality.
“We would catch the bus from school straight to Maccas, and worked most weekends,” says Paris. “That early drive and work ethic definitely laid the foundation for what we’re doing now.”
After McDonald’s, Paris, 23, and Kyra, 25, each went off in different directions but kept gravitating back to what they loved. “We’d work full-time jobs during the week and then pick up shifts at local cafes on weekends,” the sisters explain. “Not just for extra income but because we genuinely loved it.” That passion eventually led to their first venture, Water Vista Cafe at Berowra Waters, before fate called them to Manly.
“Growing up just past Glenorie, a beach day always felt like a little holiday,” says Paris. The sisters would explore different beaches around Sydney during school holidays with friends, and Manly was always a favourite. “We used to say, ‘Imagine having a cafe here one day,’ but it always felt like one of those far-off dreams.”
Now, they have a space right opposite the beach.
Occupying the old Havana Beach Cafe at 14 South Steyne, Water Vista Cafe is a fresh burst of colour, literally. Inside, a neon sign declares, ‘Pink makes everything fabulous,’ and given that it’s on a bright pink flower wall next to a bubblegum pink phone box, it’s hard to disagree. If P!nk or Chappell Roan are ever in town, it should be the top of their must-visit list.
The sisters have been documenting their renovation of the cafe on TikTok and Instagram, sharing their vision of creating “a space that feels like a little escape.” They wanted somewhere people could walk in and immediately feel a sense of “wow.”
“It’s always so nice watching customers make memories in the space,” Paris says.
The sisters’ creativity also shows in every dish. Silver tinsel sits atop a stack of waffles, Pina Colada cocktails are served in logo-stamped coconuts, and their popular fresh-baked goodies (don’t miss the pineapple oat banana bread) are piled high at the counter.
“Just like the space feels a little magical, we wanted the flavours to be bold, comforting, and a bit unexpected too,” says Kyra.“Every dish on the menu is crafted with love, and we’re always thinking about how it will make someone feel. The goal is for people to walk away feeling like they’ve stepped into something special, even just for a moment.”
Working together as sisters brings its own special ingredient to the mix. “People often ask if it’s challenging, but for us, it’s surprisingly seamless,” Paris shares. Being only a couple of years apart, their closeness from childhood has naturally carried into their business partnership. Sure, they don’t agree on everything – that would be weird Paris says – but their shared values and vision for the business keep them aligned.
For two sisters who once dreamed of owning a beachside cafe, having a space opposite Manly Beach feels surreal. “We weren’t necessarily planning to expand on the Northern Beaches, but when the opportunity in Manly came up, it just felt right.
“The community, the energy, the view, it ticked every box.”
Water Vista Cafe
14 South Steyne, Manly Beach
Website: https://www.watervistacafe.com.au/
